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Absinthe Sazerac

4.4

(2)

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Absinthe SazeracSteven Torres

Camper English, a San Francisco–based writer, developed this adaptation of a classic drink recipe to showcase the use of absinthe. In this case, because absinthe has a very strong flavor, the recipe doesn't call for much. In fact, a large number of cocktails including the Sazerac, Corpse Reviver #2, and even some tiki drinks call for just a rinse of absinthe. It is always poured into the glass, swirled, and then discarded. But still, it adds a layer of complexity to the final cocktail.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 1

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups ice cubes
1 cube or 1/2 teaspoon sugar
4 dashes Peychaud Bitters*
1/4 cup (2 ounces) rye whiskey
About 1/2 teaspoon absinthe
*Peychaud Bitters are available online at buffalotrace.com. If unavailable, Angostura Bitters can be substituted.

Preparation

  1. Fill old-fashioned glass with 1 cup ice and set aside. In second old-fashioned glass, stir together sugar, bitters, and ½ teaspoon water until sugar is completely dissolved, about 30 seconds. Add rye whiskey and remaining ½ cup ice, and stir well, at least 15 seconds. From first glass, discard ice, then add absinthe. Holding glass horizontally, roll it between your thumbs and forefingers so that absinthe completely coats the interior, then discard excess. Strain rye whiskey mixture into chilled, absinthe-coated glass. Squeeze lemon peel over drink, making sure oils fall into glass, then drop peel into drink, and serve.

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